The outreach of the golf industry, in order to grow the game and to use the game as a platform to teach life skills and lessons, is one of the most rewarding aspects of being involved with the PGA of America.

One such example took place on Saturday at Chelsea Piers in New York City where the PGA Foundation, the charitable arm of The PGA of America, hosted a group of kids from the Boys and Girls Clubs of New York and New Jersey - along with New York Knicks star J.R. Smith - for a unique and important golf experience.

The PGA Foundation, whose mission is to "Improve Lives through Golf", with specific focus on America's youth, military, individuals with disabilities and minorities, will bring along a number of top PGA teaching professionals who will not only work on golf skills - but pass along some of the traditions and etiquettes of the game that are so significant in golf and life.

J.R. Smith started the festivities with a conversation with the group about his life, background and love of golf; then followed by an hour-and-a-half of instruction time with the PGA Professionals in attendance for the youth and finally a group lunch was served.